Kruzof IslandKruzof Island at a Glance
About Kruzof Island
An island in the Alexander Archipelago off the southeast coast of Alaska, located near the city of Sitka and notable for a prominent volcanic cone on the island.
The island’s defining feature is a conical dormant volcano that dominates the landscape and is visible from Sitka across the water. The island is sparsely populated and valued for its scenery, wildlife and the volcanic landmark rather than developed visitor facilities.
The island is within the historical territory used by the Tlingit people and later explored and mapped during Russian and American periods of Alaskan history; the volcanic cone has been referenced in regional navigation and local history.
Lies off the southwestern shore of the Baranof Island/Sitka area in southeastern Alaska, within the Alexander Archipelago and visible from Sitka on the Alaskan mainland.
- Volcanic landmark: Contains Mount Edgecumbe, the island’s most prominent landmark and a dormant stratovolcano visible from Sitka.
- Access: Part of the Alexander Archipelago and accessed from Sitka by boat or small aircraft rather than by road.
What to See#
- Mount Edgecumbe: A dormant stratovolcano rising to about 3,200 feet (approximately 975 meters) that forms a prominent cone on the island and is visible from Sitka on the Alaskan mainland.
Best Time to Visit Kruzof Island
Summer months for the most reliable weather and access in the region.
Weather & Climate near Kruzof Island
Kruzof Island's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 16°C. Heavy rainfall (2470 mm/year), wettest in October.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -1° - 4° | -3° | 234 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 0° - 5° | -2° | 184 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 0° - 6° | -1° | 170 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 2° - 8° | 2° | 139 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 5° - 11° | 6° | 132 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 8° - 14° | 11° | 99 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 10° - 16° | 13° | 122 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 10° - 16° | 13° | 176 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 8° - 14° | 11° | 307 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 5° - 9° | 4° | 390 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 1° - 6° | -1° | 271 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 0° - 4° | -3° | 246 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Kruzof Island
Kruzof Island is off the coast of southeastern Alaska near Sitka. Access is by private boat or small aircraft; charter services operate from Sitka depending on weather and season. Visitors should coordinate with local operators and respect private lands and any local restrictions.
Tips for Visiting Kruzof Island
- Plan sea and air transport well in advance - these islands are remote and services infrequent.
- Respect local subsistence activities and obtain permission before landing; some areas are inhabited or used by Native corporations.
- Bring comprehensive provisioning - fuel, food and medical supplies can be difficult to replace on short notice.